Rich Neal: “We are now on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the historic Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, historic in large measure…”

“We are now on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the historic Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, historic in large measure because of the American dimension through a negotiated settlement which helped to bring about the longest-standing political dispute in the history of the western world. It was the people of goodwill and both parts of the island that voted referendum questions to help bring about this remarkable achievement. In this House, the question of Ireland has always been bipartisan, and it has been celebrated by both political parties here with great enthusiasm and so recognized. Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania and I, as chairpersons of the Friends of Ireland, will be asking Members to sign the proclamation that we are offering through this resolution that will celebrate this historic achievement as we prepare across America, the UK, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland for this celebration. These have been ``it will never happen'' moments that we have all had a chance to participate in, and I hope that Members will all sign this historic resolution celebrating and acknowledging this achievement. ____________________”